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The FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing products in animals to treat any ailment. If you plan to administer CBD to your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
CBD oil is becoming a popular treatment for humans with anxiety disorders, and there is some evidence that it might help cats, too. CBD oil is made from cannabis plants and contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Some pet owners report that their cats feel less anxious after taking CBD oil, but more research is needed to confirm this. If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat your cat’s anxiety, talk to your veterinarian first. Let’s take a closer look!
What Is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in hemp plants. It is one of more than 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and then adding it to an oil, such as coconut oil. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. This means that it will not make your cat high if they consume it.
How Does CBD Work?
The exact mechanisms by which CBD works in cats are not fully understood, but it is thought to interact with receptors in the brain and body to produce its effects. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate various functions in the body, including mood, appetite, and pain.
Pet CBD oil is commonly used to manage anxiety, pain, and seizures in animals. It is also sometimes used to help with gastrointestinal issues.
Part of the reason why CBD is poorly understood when it comes to feline anxiety is that feline anxiety itself is not well understood and is a very broad topic. Therefore, advances in terms of the use of supplements (such as CBD) are limited due to the complexity of the disorder itself.
Does CBD Help with Anxiety?
CBD oil has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.
It is thought that CBD oil might help to reduce anxiety in cats, but more research is needed to confirm this. If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat your cat’s anxiety, talk to your veterinarian first. CBD proponents’ claims that it helps cats with anxiety aren’t definitively proven yet.
Studies in cats 1 have shown that there are safe doses that can be used in cats with minimal side effects. However, this particular study didn’t determine how effective the doses were in combating anxiety (the study involved healthy adult cats). Individual case studies 2 on cats showed that CBD helped control pain, but the case was not focused on feline anxiety. Therefore, though its effectiveness in combating feline anxiety remains unclear, safe doses and other uses for CBD in cats have been established.
Common signs of anxiety in cats include hiding, increased vocalization, aggression, urinating outside of the litter box, and decreased appetite. If you notice any of these changes in your cat’s behavior, talk to your veterinarian.
Anxiety in cats is a complex topic, if you need advice on how to support your cat we suggest speaking with one of our vets.
How to Give CBD Oil to Your Cat
If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat your cat’s anxiety, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you to determine if your cat actually has an anxiety disorder that requires medication, if your cat is a candidate for CBD oil treatments, and the best dosage and delivery method for your cat. CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, and treats. It is usually given orally.
The amount of CBD oil you give your cat will depend on a variety of factors, including their weight, the dose they need, and the concentration of the product itself. Most products come with a dosing guide that you should follow.
Pet CBD oil is formulated to be safe for animals. It might contain different ingredients than human CBD oil does, and the dosage and concentration will likely be different. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Talk to your veterinarian for more information.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
CBD is generally considered to be safe, but it can cause side effects. In research on healthy adult cats, the most notable side effects involved the digestive system (diarrhea). Other signs included an improper gait, weight gain, and changes in the cats’ demeanor and eye appearance.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD is generally considered to be safe, but it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before giving it to your cat. CBD oil can interact with other medications your cat is taking and may cause side effects.
It’s important to know that, as a supplement, CBD oil products are not required to undergo external laboratory testing or FDA approval, so it is the responsibility of the customer to research the product and decide if it is right for them.
What Do I Look for in a CBD Oil?
When choosing a CBD oil for your cat, it’s important to look for a product that is made specifically for pets. You should also look for an oil that has been tested by a third-party lab to ensure quality and safety.
Cats and CBD FAQs
Is pet CBD oil legal?
CBD derived from the hemp plant is legal in most countries. However, the laws surrounding CBD are constantly changing, so it’s important to check your local laws before giving your pet CBD oil.
Does CBD work the same as catnip?
Though both CBD and catnip affect the brain, their uses are different. CBD is primarily used for its other medicinal properties (such as helping with inflammation), and catnip is mostly used as a stimulant or relaxant (its effect varies depending on the cat).
Can I grow it in my garden?
CBD is not a plant that you can grow in your garden. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which is a type of cannabis plant. To get CBD, the hemp plants must be processed in a lab.
Do I need a prescription for pet CBD oil?
No, you do not need a prescription for pet CBD oil. However, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian before giving your animal any type of supplement.
Can I give my cat CBD oil if they’re on medication?
You should always talk to your veterinarian before giving your cat any type of supplement, including CBD oil. CBD oil can interact with other medications your cat is taking and may cause side effects.
Conclusion
CBD oil is a promising treatment for anxiety in both humans and animals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in cats dealing with anxiety. If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat your cat’s anxiety, talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine the best dosage and delivery method for your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock
